Ahmad Basarah: International diplomacy reflects Megawati's love for Indonesia
Jakarta — Ahmad Basarah, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Central Board of Baitul Muslimin Indonesia (PP Bamusi), has stated that the love of former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri for Indonesia is reflected in various spiritual moments and international diplomacy.
At a commemoration of Nuzulul Quran in Jakarta on Saturday 7 March, Basarah said that following her receipt of an honorary doctorate from Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Megawati chose to express her gratitude by visiting the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina and performing umrah pilgrimage in Mecca.
“Before the Kaaba, Ibu Mega prayed that the Indonesian nation would remain united, peaceful, and prosperous,” said Basarah, representing Megawati’s family at the event, according to a statement received in Jakarta on Monday.
At the event, several figures highlighted Megawati’s statesmanship, particularly regarding her efforts and national messages conveyed during recent international visits.
Basarah also expressed appreciation for the PP Bamusi initiative that combined the Nuzulul Quran commemoration with thanksgiving for the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Megawati and the performance of umrah with her two children, Puan Maharani and Prananda Prabowo.
The MPR RI member believed that the award received was part of international recognition of Megawati’s role as a global figure.
Before visiting Saudi Arabia, Megawati also attended the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to deliver a speech on Pancasila, Trisakti, and the role of female leadership in efforts towards global peace.
During the same visit, Megawati also met with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace.
The meeting discussed follow-up cooperation on research between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the UAE, particularly in developing water desalination technology as a response to the climate crisis.
Meanwhile, Nasyirul Falah Amru, Deputy General Chair of PP Bamusi for the 2020-2025 period, said that Bamusi has closely followed Megawati’s international activities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia from the outset.
The moral and statesmanship messages conveyed by Megawati from abroad, he said, were well received by all Bamusi management, both at the central and regional levels.
“Her prayers during tawaf that Indonesia remains united, harmonious, and prosperous, we affirm together,” said the DPR RI member commonly known as Gus Falah.
The Nuzulul Quran commemoration held by PP Bamusi was marked by strong religious and national nuances.
The event was also filled with a sermon by Habib Ali Hasan Bahar. In his message, he explained that the Quran is called Al-Quran Al-Karim because of its characteristic of providing broad benefit to humanity.
“The word karim means generous, meaning the Quran provides understanding to whoever reads it, whether they understand Arabic or not. Of course, Allah SWT is the one who provides that understanding, whilst the Quran is the means,” said Habib Ali.
The event was also attended by Abdullah Azwar Anas, Secretary of the Advisory Council of PP Bamusi, and Daryatmo, a member of the Supervisory Council of PP Bamusi.